Windows PowerShell provides an amazing platform for administrative scripting and automation. Understanding the PowerShell language will enable you to spend less time troubleshooting and be more effective when debugging is required. PowerShell also includes several avenues to provide feedback from your code that will make your troubleshooting and debugging time more profitable.

Improved coding practices combined with useful diagnostic information can lead to results quickly. This book starts with background information on the purposes of automation and PowerShell’s entrance into Microsoft’s automation strategy, and also answers the question of whether scripting (and specifically PowerShell scripting) is essentially different than traditional programming. A brief overview of the main features of the PowerShell language along with examples is provided. Focus is placed on proper script design and use of PowerShell features in an attempt to reduce the need for troubleshooting.